The last portion in the Book of Vayikra, emphasizes the importance of keeping the Torah properly. G-d promises many physical and material rewards to the nation when they follow the commandments. The rain will be plentiful and convenient, the crops will be bountiful, and there will be peace and security throughout Israel.
However, the mitzvos were not meant to be optional, allowing one to choose what to keep and what not to keep. In the section of the Tochacha (Reproof), the Torah graphically depicts the terrible punishments awaiting those who fail to follow the Torah and its mitzvos properly.
Seven series of punishments are described, corresponding to seven steps leading away from Torah observance. These steps begin with not toiling in Torah study properly, which inevitably leads to not performing the mitzvos properly. If one does not know the intricacies of Halacha he cannot observe the details of each mitzvah. This leads to despising others who do keep the mitzvos, eventually denying the Divinity of Torah and even denying G-d’s very existence, Heaven Forbid. Each step brings greater and more horrendous punishments, from physical illness, famine, war, and exile, to even worse sufferings.
The nature of man is that once he becomes lax in his behavior, even in something seemingly minor, he begins a downslide that is difficult to stop. For this reason, G-d sends various afflictions to arouse people to mend their ways.
Yet, the Torah promises, despite all the terrible punishment, G-d will never forget or ignore the Jewish people’s plight. G-d’s covenant with the forefathers will never be broken. Eventually, the people will return to their land and G-d will be appeased. This serves to comfort a person when he realizes that suffering does not stem from G-d’s indifference, but rather from His love and concern for the Jewish people.
Immediately after the Tochacha, the Torah discusses the laws of arachim, the donation of one’s value to the Temple. There are set values placed on people for this purpose, depending on age and gender. The commentaries explain the juxtaposition is meant to emphasize that no matter how much a person might have sinned, each Jew has an intrinsic value, and is worthy of having that value dedicated to the Temple.
“If you will walk with My statutes...”(Lev. 26:3)
Rashi explains the passage as referring to toiling in Torah study. A yeshiva student went to take leave of the Gerrer Rebbe before traveling to the annual celebration in Miron on Lag B’Omer. The Rebbe asked him why he was going.
The surprised young man replied, “To visit the grave of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, of course.”
“Young man,” the Rebbe charged, “Why visit the deceased Rav Shimon when you can visit him live by opening the Talmud and studying Rav Shimon’s words? I believe that is a more meaningful visit!”
Did You Know...
Lag B’Omer is considered a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar. There are different opinions regarding delivering a eulogy on Lag B’Omer. Although weddings are generally not held during the period of the Omer, on Lag B’Omer it is permitted. It is also permitted to take a haircut on Lag B’Omer. There are also varying opinions whether these are permitted the evening before Lag B’Omer, or only during the day. Preferably, one should not be lenient except for extenuating circumstances, such as when Lag B’Omer falls on Friday, and it is difficult to make a wedding on Friday. When the wedding is held on Lag B’Omer, there are different customs regarding the playing of music at Sheva Berachos during the following week. Singing and dancing are certainly permitted.
